Former Federal Bureau of Investigation Chief James Comey Enters Not Guilty Plea to Allegations of Falsehoods US Legislators

James Comey court appearance
The former director has asserted his innocence concerning the allegations

Ex- FBI director James the ex-FBI chief has entered an innocent plea to giving untrue testimony to lawmakers and hindering a congressional proceeding.

His attorney filed the answer representing him in a federal court in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday morning.

The defense lawyer stated he would attempt to have the legal matter dismissed for several causes including that his the accused, a detractor of former President Trump, was being singled out.

Mr Comey was indicted just days after Trump pushed his attorney general to take action against him.

Court Developments

At the proceedings on mid-week, his attorney the legal representative informed the court they planned to file multiple motions to terminate the legal matter before a trial, claiming the legal action was retaliatory and that a US attorney was improperly designated to handle the case.

Mr Comey's case was initially handled by the original attorney, who stepped down under scrutiny from Trump after his probe into another rival - NY AG Letitia James - was unable to bring criminal charges.

Courtroom Atmosphere

The former director came across in optimistic frame of mind as he came into the courtroom on Wednesday, speaking with his legal team and being lighthearted. He was accompanied by his spouse, his wife and daughter Maureen Comey, a government attorney who the Trump administration dismissed.

Following the reading to the court recite his constitutional guarantees and the two counts against him in court on Wednesday, James Comey was questioned if he understood the charges.

"Yes your honour. Thank you very much," he stated to the court.

Previous Events

The former director was the head of the FBI from four years and was fired about several months into Trump's initial presidency as national leader. At the period, he was overseeing an examination into foreign election meddling and whether there were any connections between Moscow and the presidential campaign.

While in office, Mr Comey triggered a backlash from the Democratic party when he announced just shortly prior to the 2016 election that he was examining presidential nominee Hillary Clinton's use of a personal email system. Indictments against Clinton were not filed, leading to negative feedback from the Republican party as well.

Current Allegations

The federal government claim the former director provided false information to the legislature during a legislative proceeding in recent years when he was being questioned about both the Clinton investigation as well as the election interference investigation. They claim he deceived the upper house by claiming he had not approved someone at the Federal Bureau of Investigation to disclose to media organizations data about the government examinations.

Legal representatives also charge Mr Comey of "corruptly endeavoring to influence, hinder and delay" the panel by providing untrue information to it.

Public Statements

Through a recording Mr Comey published to his social media after he was accused, he stated he was innocent and accused the former president of behaving like a "dictator".

"We have known for years that there are consequences to opposing Donald Trump," he said. "We will not live on our knees."
"I am not guilty," he continued. "Therefore proceed with a legal proceeding."

The accusations against the former director surfaced after Trump posted on social media insisting on his top legal official, Pam Bondi, charge the former director and others.

Related Developments

  • Previous FBI chief James Comey charged on two charges
  • The nature of accusations is former director James Comey face?
Carl Beltran
Carl Beltran

A passionate urban enthusiast and writer, sharing experiences and advice on community building and local life in Australia.